School closes after suspected norovirus outbreak

February 3, 2010

MIDDLETOWN, RI — A private high school was forced to shut down for a week after 36 students and 11 staff members became sick in what appears to be a norovirus outbreak, according to the Associated Press.

According to the story, four students at St. George''sSchoolreported to the health center last week with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, and by Monday, dozens of students and faculty were ill.

The 365 students — most of whom live at the boarding school — were either sent home for the week or asked to spend the time with a host family, the story stated.

Head of School Eric Peterson said the week will be spent thoroughly disinfecting the school before the dormitories reopen Friday and classes resume Saturday, the story added.